Noble Gases

The Noble Gases:

• Are found in group 18 on the periodic table

• Are colorless, odorless, and have very little chemical reactivity.

• Were considered to be inert gases until the 1960's, because their oxidation number of 0 prevents them from forming compounds easily.

• Have the maximum number of electrons possible in their outer shell (2 for Helium, 8 for all others), making them stable.

• Are considered ‘happy’ because they are stable (and every element wants to be happy).

• Have low boiling points and are all at room temperature.